What is the AVERY file format?
.avery is the proprietary project format used by Avery Design & Print Online (ADPO), the browser-based label design application at avery.com. The file stores a saved label design project including the target Avery product template number (such as 5160 or 8160), text fields, images, barcodes, QR codes, and all design settings for a specific label sheet layout.
The .avery format is cloud-linked: projects are primarily held on Avery's servers, and the .avery file is the local download or backup representation of that project. Because the format is wholly proprietary and undocumented, no third-party application can open or edit it - only Avery Design & Print Online can read these files.
To share a finished design or print outside ADPO, Avery provides a PDF export. For users who prefer Microsoft Word, Avery also offers downloadable .docx label templates that are far more portable across applications.
The .avery extension was introduced around 2013 when ADPO replaced the older Avery Design & Print desktop application. The format has no published specification or independent versioning; it evolves alongside the web application itself.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWProprietary project file with no executable code. Only meaningful within Avery's web app. No known security issues.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open AVERY files
Avery Design & Print Online
Free Go to avery.com/software/design-and-print/, sign in (or continue as guest), choose 'Open a saved project' or drag the .avery file into the app. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary label design project file; internal structure not publicly documented |
| Storage model | Cloud-primary (project stored on Avery's servers); .avery file is a local download or backup copy |
| Label template system | Each project references an Avery product number (e.g., 5160, 8160) defining sheet dimensions and label layout |
| Supported design elements | Text fields, images, barcodes, QR codes, shapes, and background designs |
| Platform | Web browser on any OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) - no desktop application |
| Typical file size | 10 KB - 2 MB (depending on embedded images) |
| Export alternatives | PDF (for printing); Word .docx (for Office-based editing outside ADPO) |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream (no registered MIME type for this format) |
| Third-party support | None - only Avery Design & Print Online can open .avery files |
| Format versioning | No published specification or independent versioning; format evolves with the web application |
| Released | circa 2013 (Avery Design & Print Online web app) |
| Latest version | unknown; format is tied to current version of Avery Design & Print Online |
AVERY conversions
Community Q&A
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